The lovely maidens had gathered there, and each one knew her duty,
Their loveliness for the eyes of the king, to choose a queen for her beauty.
Her beauty was far beyond compare, the royal palace her home,
But the one who had loved and cared for her, sat at the gate alone.
Despised and hated, a plot was laid for her people’s sudden end!
The king knew it not and He thought his man a true and faithful friend.
Unafraid she stood in the royal court, awaiting his Majesty’s pleasure;
The golden scepter was held out to her as he offered her half of his treasure.
The plot made known, the king rose up in all his royal fury—
“Hang that man on the gallows he made!” The decree carried out in a hurry,
Her people saved, they all rejoiced and laid aside their fears.
The kingdom was at peace again and free from cries and tears.
Though orphaned young, she’d had the care of one who loved her dear,
And in a firm but kindly way had taught her Whom to fear.
She may have been born for just that time and for that place prepared,
And she the one that God had used as He for His own had cared.
ML-03/06/1983